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When passing a bicycle, leaving a distance of 3 feet is essential for safety. This space allows adequate room for the cyclist to maintain stability and control over their bicycle, and it minimizes the risk of a collision. Additionally, it accounts for any lateral movements that the cyclist may make, which can happen due to road conditions, wind, or other factors.

In many jurisdictions, laws may require that drivers maintain this minimum distance to ensure the safety of vulnerable road users like cyclists. A distance of 3 feet is generally acknowledged as a standard that balances safety with practicality for maintaining a safe distance without hindering traffic flow.

Other distances such as 2 feet or less may be considered insufficient, as they increase the likelihood of a dangerous encounter with the cyclist. Meanwhile, distances greater than 3 feet, while potentially safer, may not be necessary in many driving scenarios and could lead to unnecessary delays in traffic.